We employ the operational quasiprobability (OQ) as a work distribution, which reproduces the Jarzynski equality and yields the average work consistent with the classical definition. The OQ distribution can be implemented through two simple experimental settings: the end-point measurement and the two-point measurement. Using this framework, we demonstrate the explicit contribution of coherence to the work, which can be formulated by the second-law-type relation. In a two-level system, we show that nonjoint measurability, a generalized notion of measurement incompatibility, can increase the amount of extractable work beyond the classical bound imposed by jointly measurable measurements. We further prove that the real part of Kirkwood-Dirac quasiprobability (KDQ) and the OQ are equivalent in two-level systems, and they are non-negative for binary unbiased measurements if and only if the measurements are jointly measurable. In a three-level nitrogen-vacancy center system, the OQ and the KDQ exhibit different amounts of negativities while enabling the same work extraction, implying that the magnitude of negativity is not a faithful indicator of nonclassical work. These results highlight that coherence and nonjoint measurability play fundamental roles in the enhancement of work.

Carbohydrate‐protein interactions are important in cell‐cell communication, signal transduction, cancer, or infection. Chemists have designed glycosylated multivalent systems to mimic these recognition phenomena and produce potent ligands of lectins with therapeutic applications. Dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC) provides access to libraries of glycosylated macrocycles equilibrating through reversible covalent bonds. This strategy can be applied to the rapid and efficient identification of multivalent glycoclusters by introducing a protein into the equilibrating library. This strategy allowed the identification of the best ligands for more than one lectin in a single experimental set up by using two simple 1,4‐dithiophenol building blocks. Selection of the best binder by each lectin (ConA, LecA, and LecB) was accompanied by the amplification of glyco‐dyn[3]arenes and glyco‐dyn[4]arenes. These macrocycles could be synthesized, isolated, and displayed nanomolar dissociation constants. Furthermore, while no toxicity could be detected against human cells or bacteria, their anti‐adhesive properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were confirmed through a virulence assay on human cells. Altogether, extremely simple 1,4‐dithiophenol building blocks provided access to a large diversity of glycoconjugates that could be selected by a lectin in a simple experimental set up to identify glycoconjugates with potential anti‐infectious applications, thus speeding up the discovery of potential new antibacterial treatments.

The resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-producing mushrooms has recently led to numerous research and commercialization efforts. Due to its ease of cultivation and high potency, Psilocybe is the primary genus of interest, and there is a growing need to standardize maintenance, proliferation, and cultivation techniques for efficient and consistent production. The investigation of mycelial growth and development on agar-based media is of principal importance to regulate and optimize mycelium growth and preservation protocols for subsequent fruiting body development. The current investigation is the first to examine the mycelial growth and morphology of four Psilocybe genotypes cultured on different agar-based media. The results from this simple set of experiments provides the foundation for future optimization studies. Ultimately, the information presented can be used to develop genotype-specific mycelial growth and development practices that will shape the future of psychedelic mushroom production for clinical and industrial applications.

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) are attractive platforms that mergeconcepts of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Catalyst designand optimization are enabled by an array of synthetic methods thatoffer independent control over the local chemical structure of lattice-embeddedmetal ions (i.e., ligand identity and geometry) and the long-rangematerials properties (i.e., porosity). Establishing the origin ofcatalytic activity in MOF-promoted reactions remains a significantchallenge: The relative rates of catalyst turnover and substrate diffusiondictate the extent to which interstitial sites are accessible andoperational in catalysis. To minimize the contributions of surfacesites in catalysis, materials with large pore dimensions are oftensought, however, the impact of pore expansion on the origins of catalyticactivity is similarly challenging to establish. Here, we describeTAM-3, a Co­(II) based MOF with accessible metal sites supported bya facially coordinating tris-tetrazole ligand set.TAM-3 features large channel-like pores (17 × 23 Å) andpromotes aerobic C–H oxidation and olefin epoxidation. Usinga set of simple kinetics experiments, based on the analysis of kineticisotope effects and olefin oxidation diastereoselectivities, we demonstratethat despite the large pores, interstitial metal ions do not significantlycontribute to the observed substrate oxidation. This study highlightsthe importance of conducting kinetic experiments to assess the originof apparent catalytic activity with MOFs and the challenge of harnessingreactive oxidants with microporous catalyst materials.

The direction and intensity of plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) and the reciprocal effects between plants and soils can change over time. PSFs can also affect competition between invasive and native plants. However, most PSF research is conducted in simple experimental settings where temporal changes are not considered. Few studies have assessed the temporal dynamics of PSFs among invasive plants, newly introduced plants and native plants. Here, we conducted a two‐stage PSF experiment to evaluate the temporal dynamics of PSFs among the invasive alien Phytolacca americana, the non‐invasive alien Phytolacca icosandra, and native Phytolacca acinosa. We conducted the experiment with different conditioning time periods. First, we planted the three species individually in pots to condition the soils. Then, each species was grown in a pot conditioned by the same species (‘home soil') or pots conditioned by one of the other two species (‘away soil'). Invasive and native plants produced higher biomass in home soils while non‐invasive alien plants produced higher biomass in away soils. The direction and intensity of PSFs varied with conditioning time among the three species and conditioning time had a significant effect on plant total biomass. Furthermore, sterilizing soils or adding activated carbon altered plant–soil feedbacks, indicating a role for microbes and allelopathic substances in mediating temporal changes. Our study indicates that changes in microbes and allelopathic substances in soils drove temporal changes in PSFs. Invasive alien plants can amplify their competitive advantage through PSFs and also potentially favor establishment of new non‐invasive alien plants.

Heuristics and biases in probabilistic belief updating have typically been examined in simple two-state experimental settings. We argue that the two-state setting has probabilistic properties that do not extend to settings with more states. With three states, we find that individuals apply similar heuristics, such as representativeness and anchoring, when providing posterior probability distributions. However, because of the different normative benchmark, the use of these heuristics results in different biases for point estimates. In particular, we demonstrate that the well-known finding of stronger underinference for larger signal sets does not translate from the two-state to the three-state setting. Our findings caution against an indiscriminate transfer of updating biases observed in two-state settings to a broad set of real-world applications. This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, behavioral economics and decision analysis. Funding: This work was supported by the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung [Grant 20.21.0.023WW]. Supplemental Material: The data and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00513 .

The potential of the anode, at which the evolution of oxygen begins, is a key parameter that describes how well water is split in water electrolyzers. Research efforts related to electrocatalytically initiated water splitting that aimed at reducing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential to date focused on the optimization of materials used to produce the electrodes. Descriptors for the readiness of the H2 O molecule itself to break down into its components have not been considered in water electrolysis experiments so far. In a simple set of experiments, we found that adding dioxane to aqueous solutions leads to a substantial blue shift of the frequency of the O-H stretch vibration which is a sign for an increased strength of the O-H bond (intramolecular bonding). This phenomenon coincides with a significant increase of the OER onset potential as derived from cyclic voltammetry experiments. Thus, the O-H stretch frequency can be an ideal indicator for the readiness of water molecules to be split in its cleavage products. To our knowledge this is the first example of a study into the relationship between structural features of water as derived from FTIR spectroscopic studies, and key results derived from water electrolysis experiments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Exergy assessment and sustainability of a simple off-shore oscillating water column device

The model reported in the companion paper was improved further and validated against field experiments. An interpolation subroutine was added to determine the flow field at any input wind speed and temperature conditions from the database prepared using the OpenFOAM simulations. The polydispersity of the aerosol emission is taken into account in the improved model. To account for the growth by condensation without moving the grown particles to larger sections, which causes numerical diffusion, additional variables representing the aerosol water content in each section were added. The coagulation subroutine was accordingly revised to take into account the particle size change due to condensation. The effects of particle hygroscopicity were added in the condensation subroutine. Hygroscopic growth was assumed to be completed instantly after emission because extensive simulations showed that hygroscopic growth reached 90 % of its destination within one time step in most cases. A method to determine the model parameter representing particle hygroscopicity experimentally is suggested. A set of simple field experiments was performed with three different levels of wind strength when wind speed and direction were maintained steady. The observed spatial distribution of aerosol plumes and resulting light extinction showed qualitatively good agreement with model predictions.

A simplified modelling approach for predicting shrinkage and sensitive material properties during low temperature air drying of porous food materials

Polyurethane (PU), designed with pre-polymer method involving polyol as cross-linker, has been utilized for shape memory applications. Neat PU or PU-PS (polystyrene) interpenetrating network (IPN) samples have been prepared. Functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) have been utilized as reinforcements. PU composites have been studied for shape recovery time and found better than neat PU. 1wt% incorporation of FMWCNTs in PU has reduced shape recovery time to 22 s for 100% shape recovery, in comparison to neat PU with 62 s of 100% shape recovery. PU-PS IPN has reduced 100% shape recovery time to 17s. Superior hydrogen bonding in neat PU has been suggested as per longer shape recovery time against thermal actuation, in comparison to PU composite and IPNs with FMWCNTs. Decreased thermal stability has been observed with FMWCNTs incorporation, indicating enhanced heat dissipation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analyses confirmed the difference of morphologies in neat PU, PU composite, and IPNs. A distinctive filler-matrix interaction in IPNs has been observed. XRD confirmed the presence of amorphous component. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis have been utilized for analyses. Shape recovery study has been made by a simple experimental set up prepared in lab.

The question is discussed from where the patterns arise that are recognized in the world. Are they elements of the outside world, or do they originate from the concepts that live in the mind of the observer? It is argued that they are created during observation, due to the knowledge on which the observation ability is based. For an experienced observer this may result in a direct recognition of an object or phenomenon without any reasoning. Afterwards and using conscious effort he may be able to supply features or arguments that he might have used for his recognition. The discussion is phrased in the philosophical debate between monism, in which the observer is an element of the observed world, and dualism, in which these two are fully separated. Direct recognition can be understood from a monistic point of view. After the definition of features and the formulation of a reasoning, dualism may arise. An artificial pattern recognition system based on these specifications thereby creates a clear dualistic situation. It fully separates the two worlds by physical sensors and mechanical reasoning. This dualistic position can be solved by a responsible integration of artificially intelligent systems in human controlled applications. A set of simple experiments based on the classification of histopathological slides is presented to illustrate the discussion.

Vocalization is an important part of social communication, not only for humans but also for mice. Here, we show in a mouse model that functional deficiency of Sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing 2 (SPRED2), a protein ubiquitously expressed in the brain, causes differences in social ultrasound vocalizations (USVs), using an uncomplicated and reliable experimental setting of a short meeting of two individuals. SPRED2 mutant mice show an OCD-like behaviour, accompanied by an increased release of stress hormones from the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, both factors probably influencing USV usage. To determine genotype-related differences in USV usage, we analyzed call rate, subtype profile, and acoustic parameters (i.e., duration, bandwidth, and mean peak frequency) in young and old SPRED2-KO mice. We recorded USVs of interacting male and female mice, and analyzed the calls with the deep-learning DeepSqueak software, which was trained to recognize and categorize the emitted USVs. Our findings provide the first classification of SPRED2-KO vs. wild-type mouse USVs using neural networks and reveal significant differences in their development and use of calls. Our results show, first, that simple experimental settings in combination with deep learning are successful at identifying genotype-dependent USV usage and, second, that SPRED2 deficiency negatively affects the vocalization usage and social communication of mice.

We describe a simple experimental setting where joint measurements performed on a single (classical or quantum) entity can violate both the Bell-CHSH inequality and the marginal laws (also called no-signaling conditions). Once emitted by a source, the entity propagates within the space of Alice’s and Bob’s detection screens, with the measurements’ outcomes corresponding to the entity being absorbed or not absorbed in a given time interval. The violation of the marginal laws results from the fact that the choice of the screen on the side of Alice affects the detection probability on the side of Bob, and vice versa, and we show that for certain screen choices, the Bell-CHSH inequality can be violated up to its mathematical maximum. Our analysis provides a clarification of the mechanisms that could be at play when the Bell-CHSH inequality and marginal laws are violated in entangled bipartite systems, which would not primarily depend on the presence of a bipartite structure but on the fact that the latter can manifest as an undivided whole.

The electrical complex impedance is very important physical parameter to determine the fluid and matrix condition of the rock sample. One mechanism in the samples that influences this complex, frequency – dependent behaviour of resistivity is the disseminated metal ores which can block the pores and subsequently trigger the mechanism for storage/delay. Pore water ions build up on either side of the grain, results in the effect of a capacitor. This paper presents a simple experimental set up to measure the complex resistivity of rock samples. The main mechanism is generation of high voltage sinusoidal signal. This is implemented as collector voltage of a transistor. The high voltage sinusoidal signal then is applied on either side of the rock sample. At two distances of the sample we measure the resulting voltage using the oscilloscope. The observed delay can be considered as the measured phase, whereas the amplitude of the observed voltage is considered as the voltage. We determine the absolute impedance as the voltage divided by the current. Using this simple method we measured the complex impedances of 14 rock samples obtained from Halmahera Island. From the results of measurement, we tried to infer and to model the disseminated metal ores of the samples.

Strength and direction of plant-soil feedback (PSF), the reciprocal interactions between plants and soil, can change over time and have distinct effects on different life stages. PSF and its temporal development can also be modified by external biotic and abiotic factors such as competition and resource availability, yet most PSF research is conducted in simple experimental settings without considering temporal changes. Here I have studied the effect of different competitive settings (intraspecific, interspecific, and no competition) and nutrient addition on the magnitude and direction of biomass-based PSF (performance in conspecific relative to heterospecific inoculum) across 46 grassland species, estimated at the 4th, 10th, and 13th month of the response phase. I also examined whether conspecific inoculum had a long-term effect on plant survival at the 36th month, and whether biomass-based PSF may predict survival-based PSF effects. PSF pooled across all treatments and time points was negative, but a significant overall temporal trend or differences among competitive settings were missing. PSF developed unimodally for interspecific competition across the three time points, whereas it declined gradually in case of intraspecific and no competition. Nutrient addition attenuated negative biomass-based PSF and eliminated negative effects of conspecific inoculum on survival. Interspecific differences in biomass-based PSF were related to survival-based PSF, but only after nutrient addition. This study demonstrates that PSF is dynamic and modulated by external abiotic and biotic factors. PSF research should consider the temporal dynamics of focal communities to properly estimate how PSF contributes to community changes, preferably directly in the field.

Combining Acoustic Force Spectroscopy and DNA Scaffold for High Throughput Measurement of Ligand-Receptor Kinetics at Single Molecule Resolution

We show that a simple experimental setting of a locally pumped and lossy array of two-level quantum systems can stabilize states with strong long-range coherence. Indeed, by explicit analytic construction, we show there is an extensive set of steady-state density operators, from minimally to maximally entangled, despite this being an interacting open many-body problem. Such nonequilibrium steady states arise from a hidden symmetry that stabilizes Bell pairs over arbitrarily long distances, with unique experimental signatures. We demonstrate a protocol by which one can selectively prepare these states using dissipation. Our findings are accessible in present-day experiments.

Why Are Rational Expectations Violated in Social Interactions?

Herein we report transient out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of molecules operated by gaseous fuel mixtures. The combination of an active gaseous chemical fuel and an inert gas or compressed air, which assists the degassing of the gaseous fuel from the solution, drives the transient self-assembly process. The gaseous nature of the fuel as well as the exhaust helps in their easy removal and thereby prevents their accumulation within the system and helps in maintaining the efficiency of the transient self-assembly process. The strategy is executed with a rather simple experimental set up and operates at ambient temperatures. Our approach may find use in the development of smart materials suitable for applications such as temporally active gas sensing and sequestration.